Kickoff 2012: Katella preview

Last season record: 5-5, 2-3 league

Postseason: 2002, lost to Foothill, 24-7, in Division VI first round

Coach: Fred DiPalma (5th year, 11-29)

Home stadium: Glover Stadium, Western High

Outlook: Katella might have been the best team not to make the Southwest Division playoffs last year. The Knights had leads in all three of its league losses last season and missed the playoffs by one game. But it’s a whole new year and Katella looks poised to not only qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2002, but contend for a league championship. The Knights return 11 starters – including four 3-year starters, which includes quarterback Robert Resendez – and have 25 seniors, the most in the four years DiPalma has had at Katella. Lack of depth on both the offensive and defensive lines could hold the Knights back, but if they remain healthy, they should make the playoffs.

Factoid: The Knights have failed to advance to the postseason nine consecutive seasons.

School record: 165-274-16